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Scientists Discover The Role of TOX Protein in Severe Lung Infections Including COVID-19
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Jun 21, 2024 5 months, 1 day, 17 hours, 26 minutes ago
COVID-19 News: Scientists from South Korea have recently uncovered a new player in the battle against severe lung infections caused by viruses like COVID-19. This new study that is covered in this COVID-19 News report, focuses on the thymocyte selection-associated high-mobility group box (TOX) protein, which has shown significant involvement in the body's inflammatory response and tissue damage during severe respiratory infections.
TOX induces impairment of respiratory functions. (A) The mechanistic role of the TOX–RAGE axis in inducing systemic severe inflammation: Respiratory virus infection triggers complex simultaneous immune/inflammatory responses, leading to cytokine storm and lung damage. TOX is subsequently released and binds to the RAGE receptor. The TOX–RAGE axis induces fibroproliferative ARDS, resulting in respiratory failure. (B and C) Effect of intratracheal injection of rTOX on (B) lung tissue hydroxyproline levels and (C) collagen release in BALF. (D–H) Respiratory function is indicated by (D) PV curve, (E) lung compliance, (F) resistance, (G) lung IC, and (H) elastance. *P < 0.05, **P < 0.01 and ***P < 0.001.
What is TOX Protein?
TOX protein is traditionally known for its role in the immune system, particularly in T cell development and exhaustion during chronic infections and cancer. However, this study reveals that TOX also has an extracellular role, meaning it acts outside the cell to influence inflammation and lung injury.
The TOX-RAGE Connection
Researchers found that TOX binds to a receptor on cell surfaces known as the receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE). This binding triggers a series of inflammatory responses that can lead to severe lung damage, a condition observed in many COVID-19 patients. High levels of TOX in the blood were linked to increased disease severity, making it a potential marker for diagnosing the intensity of the infection.
The Impact on COVID-19 Patients
COVID-19 patients with severe symptoms often experience acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), which includes severe lung inflammation and tissue damage. This condition is exacerbated by a cytokine storm, where the body releases an excess of inflammatory molecules. The study shows that TOX plays a critical role in this process, contributing to the severe symptoms seen in these patients.
Potential Therapeutic Target
One of the most promising findings from this research is the potential for targeting the TOX-RAGE axis to treat severe pulmonary infections. By inhibiting the interaction between TOX and RAGE, it might be possible to reduce the inflammatory response and prevent lung damage. This could lead to new treatments that specifically address the severe inflammation caused by infections like COVID-19.
ng>Experiments and Findings
The study involved various experiments on both human samples and mouse models to explore the effects of TOX. They found that blocking TOX with neutralizing antibodies or removing the RAGE receptor significantly reduced the harmful effects of TOX. This included decreased cytokine production, improved cell viability, and reduced tissue damage.
Real-World Implications
For COVID-19 patients, especially those in critical care, this discovery offers a new avenue for treatment. Current treatments focus on managing symptoms and supporting the body's immune response. Targeting the TOX-RAGE axis could complement these treatments by directly addressing the underlying causes of severe inflammation and lung damage.
TOX induces impairment of respiratory functions
Future Research Directions
While the findings are promising, more research is needed to develop and test TOX-targeted therapies. Future studies will focus on how to effectively block TOX in human patients and the potential side effects of such treatments. If successful, these therapies could be used alongside existing treatments to improve outcomes for patients with severe lung infections.
Conclusion
The discovery of TOX's role in severe lung infections marks a significant step forward in understanding and treating diseases like COVID-19. By targeting the TOX-RAGE axis, we may be able to reduce the devastating effects of severe respiratory infections and improve patient outcomes. This research highlights the importance of continued exploration into the molecular mechanisms of disease and the potential for innovative treatments to save lives.